“We will be going to Israel to bring together Arabs, Christian and Jews in an educational forum,” Mr. Perry told The Washington Times in an interview just three days after he announced he would not seek an unprecedented fourth term as Texas governor.

Many analysts interpreted that decision as evidence that he is setting the table for a White House campaign. Asked what would induce him to announce a run, he told The Times that he has “plenty of time to make that decision.”

When Perry announced at Holt Cat in San Antonio Monday that he wouldn’t seek re-election, he said:

“I am looking forward to the next 18 months as I serve out my term. Any future considerations I will announce in due time, and I will arrive at that decision appropriately. But my focus will remain on Texas.”